09/28/2004

Introductory letter by the president of Japan Career Development Association

I greatly appreciate this opportunity to introduce the Japan Career Development Association (JCDA). JCDA was established in 2000, and has become the first NCDA international affiliate in 2002. In that same year, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan announced a national policy to train and prepare 50,000 career counselors within the next five years. The number may seem rather ludicrous considering the delicate characteristic of career counselor education. However, the policy proved the importance of career counselors in society. JCDA is one of the pioneers to train career counselors and advocate career education in Japan. I remember that when I first spoke at the NCDA delegate assembly three years ago, members applauded for the increase of JCDA members to 300. I am proud to announce that as of today, we have more than 2,700 members. These members are comprised of career professionals in school, cooperate, and government settings. Some work as individual contractors but most of them are fully employed.

Eight years ago, when I first attended the NCDA international conference, the term 'career' was recognized by only a few Japanese scholars and was not understood beyond a subject of research. Now, it is actually practiced and sustained together with the development of new methodologies. I would say career counseling in Japan is still in its infancy. It needs nutrition and care to grow. Supervision, advance training, and resources are efficient for career practitioners to provide the best services. This year, 30 JCDA members attended the NCDA international conference held in San Francisco. I am sure that their experience has been stimulating and fruitful. As a president of JCDA, I want to thank all of you for showing your interests in what is happening in Japan. I also greatly appreciate strong supports provided by the past presidents, the delegate members, and the board members of NCDA. JCDA will continue to take a role to make a strong connection between Japanese career practitioners and the members of NCDA.